A "floating point" is a way to represent real numbers in computing that can handle a wide range of values. It uses a format that includes a base (or significand), an exponent, and a sign, allowing for both very large and very small numbers to be expressed efficiently. This representation is crucial for scientific calculations, graphics, and other applications requiring precision. In most programming languages, floating point numbers follow the IEEE 754 standard, which defines how these numbers are stored and manipulated. This standard helps ensure consistency across different systems and platforms, making it easier for developers to work with numerical data without worrying about discrepancies.